adjective
- having spines or thorns; covered with sharp pointed projections
Usage: technical; biology
Examples
- The spinose cactus was difficult to handle without thick gloves.
- Marine biologists studied the spinose sea urchin’s defensive mechanisms.
- The spinose leaves of the plant deterred herbivores from eating it.
- Researchers noted the spinose projections on the fossil specimen.
- The spinose surface of the seed pod helped it attach to animal fur.
- Botanists classified the species based on its spinose characteristics.